Police pledge support to Sunderland University campus watch scheme

David Allison

Northumbria Police have teamed up with Sunderland University to help keep students in the city safer.

Motor patrols officers have pledged their support to the university's Student Campus Watch (SCW) scheme which is made up of student volunteers.

They patrol the university estate and offer crime prevention advice to their peers.

Now Northumbria Police have popped in to say thank you to the Student Campus Watch volunteers and offer their support as the exam period approaches.

Chief Inspector John Heckels, of the Operations Department, said his officers would drop in on campus as part of their daily patrols to help keep students safe.

Chief Inspector Heckels said: "We are very proud to have three top universities in our region and it is great that we can work together to help to reduce crime in our student communities.

"Our motor patrols officers will continue to work closely with Student Campus Watch, and the local neighbourhood policing team, to offer them any support and advice they need.

"This region has a fantastic reputation for being one of the safest places in the country and we are proud to protect those who choose to relocate to the north east to study."

Pc Steve Hackett and Pc Greg Huntley dropped in on the students last week to chat to them about the volunteer scheme. They will support PC Graeme Jenkinson who is the current campus police officer.

The team include James Sutton, Tanita Petrova, Stilyan Georgiev, Camilla Roshak and Harry Atanasov

Security Support Officer Ian Kirkup, of Sunderland University, said: “We value our partnership with Northumbria police, Student Campus Watch is just one of several successful projects at the University resulting from our close working relationship.”

Harry Atanasov, MSc Psychology, a Student Campus Watch co-founder and Community and Events Officer commented: “SCW is more than a proactive endeavour to provide crime prevention advice. Rather, it’s an opportunity to actively engage with the whole student community providing support and encouraging the open discussion of any concerns.

“As a member of SCW, I have had the pleasure to meet a number of fascinating new people and work on a variety of projects with renowned academics. I think this is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who is looking to develop their creative and leadership potential along with a range of other transferable skills while donating their time to a worthy cause.”

Now Northumbria Police are offering the following crime prevention tips for students across the Tyne and Wear area.

- Check doors and windows are locked, especially when you leave the room.

- Property mark all valuables.

- Don't leave valuables near windows or doors where they can be seen - make sure they are locked away.

- Never leave a spare key for you or your flatmates outside - i.e. under the doormat or in a plant pot.